Stephanie's Shoe Shout: Avoiding Tango Injuries

To minimize the chances of injury:

Wear good quality shoes
Stretch exercises: particularly the calves, before and after dancing
Arch exercises: raise your legs off the ground whilst in the sitting position, and point your feet as far forward as possible - this position should be held for a few minutes
Slow rising exercises: whilst in the standing position, slowly rise until you are on the balls of your feet, hold yourself for a few seconds, then slowly fall back to the ground
Toe exercises: whilst in the standing position, bring your big toe up and the other toes down; hold for a few seconds then reverse
Releves exercises: stand with legs together and feet to the sides; now rise on the balls of both feet, bringing the knees away from you, and remain in the position for a few seconds
Ankle circles: whilst sitting in straight-backed chair, slowly circle your ankle to the right and then to the left
Reach and return exercises: whilst sitting on the edge of a chair and keeping your feet on the floor, move one foot along the floor away from you to your limit then pull back